#328 - Don't Like 1-Year Blog

A Year Ago
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This is me a year (and one day) ago. It was the day before I re-started this complaining blog. 

I'm smiling, but I was already in worry mode. That's why I started posting, to relieve stress. I never ever thought I would be up to 327 complaints. I never thought I would be posting a year later.

Still Isolated

It's been helpful, having this outlet for my rambles. I especially needed to vent during those first isolated months of the pandemic. But I need to move forward and stop all this recording. When I'm vaccinated I will stop.

When everyone in my family is vaccinated, I will finally breath easily. I'll  still enjoy walks in quiet places, like this. (Powell Butte Nature Park) But it will be a treat, not to avoid people constantly!

What Happened This Year?

It's interesting to look back at all that has happened in the U.S. and the world, in one year. I won't get into that now. But, what has happened in my own world, in 12 months?  

At Home

Since we had so many months isolating at home, I feel like I should have accomplished some great things. I didn't write a book, or learn a language or even get out my old bike! What did I do?

Early on, I got out the 40-year-old canoe and Don and I played ukuleles. We both learned how to Zoom and we had fun cooking and we had festive meals at the table! We celebrated just about everything we could think of. We got out and walked more and appreciated wildlife. I started playing piano regularly. I read a lot and I learned to juggle!

Exploring

Even though we were incredibly cautious, we left home and got out on the road. Our trips mostly revolved around meeting up with family. It's hard to believe that our travels let me see Oregon mountains and coast... farmland in Missouri.

In Texas, we camped and picnicked and hiked. In January, we headed west. In our 2 months of Oregon, we've seen sun shining on the Willamette River and pine trees covered in ice. Can't complain.

Being With Family
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One of the nicest benefits of the pandemic is how it's brought us closer to our kids, even though we're all miles apart. Don and I have also felt connected with our siblings, sharing worries and humor with Zoom gatherings. I could write a book with all I've learned, from daily phone calls with my dad.

Best of all, we've been able to navigate this crazy pandemic and actually be in person with family this year. We pulled off a summer reunion with the kids and fall picnics with Dad in Missouri. We drove to Oregon 2 months ago and have been able to safely gather with family again. 

Best Thing 

​The best thing that has happened during this pandemic year... Don and I became grandparents!

It's been a weird and exhausting 12 months! If I'd known a year ago, that I would routinely wear face masks in a year, I would have gasped. If I'd known a year ago that I would be a grandma... I would have squealed with delight!

No complaints at the moment!